Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the most well-known modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The therapy involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body. According to TCM theory, there is an intricate network of meridians that pass energy ("chi") throughout the body. By inserting needles at points along these meridians, the Acupuncturist can adjust the flow of a patient's energy and in turn affect one's physiology.

Modern research suggests that acupuncture's effects can be explained as nervous and hormone system responses. Research in China has shown that in muscular disorders, acupuncture restores the muscle's ability to contract and relax normally.

What is involved?

Your visit will include questioning and examination by the Acupuncturist where appropriate acupuncture points are decided. Once the needles have been inserted, the patient will lie on the treatment table for 15-30 minutes. Your acupuncture appointment may include Tui-Na (Chinese bodywork), herbal consultation, electric stimulation, infrared heat, moxibustion (an herb is burned for localized application of heat), or cupping (suction is used to relieve tight muscles). Treatments last approximately 60 minutes. Please eat something within 4 hours of your appointment.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is very safe. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, and are used only once before being discarded. Our licensed Acupuncturist has completed a 4 year Master's degree program in Oriental Medicine and is nationally board certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Licensed Acupuncturists are also required to be certified in Clean Needle Technique.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Our Acupuncturist understands that many people are uncomfortable with needles. Every effort is made to put patients at ease, and ensure that treatments are as comfortable as possible. While it is common to feel a slight prick when needles are inserted, patients may then feel sensations such as heaviness, warmth, tingling, or spreading. In some cases, patients don't feel the needles at all. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and many even fall asleep during a treatment.

Chinese Herbs

In Chinese medicine, herbal medicine is a popular modality for treating disease. There are close to 500 commonly used "herbs" that come from plant, mineral, and animal sources.

Herbs are rarely given individually but are combined into formulas that are designed to treat a patient's unique presentation. Formulas are adjusted as a patient's condition changes. These formulas can be cooked into a tea, taken as granules mixed with water, or taken in pill form. Herbs are also used in liniments, patches, creams, and baths to treat a variety of musculoskeletal, skin, and other disorders. Chinese herbs have minimal or no side effects when correctly dispensed by a certified practitioner. Gerry Harrington is nationally board certified in Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM).